Novel Psychoactive Substances and Behavioral Addictions

Call for Papers

The first novel (or new) psychoactive substance (NPS) of recent times was 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) or ‘ecstasy’ in the mid-1990s. Since then, over 700 NPSs and products allegedly
containing them have been identified. NPS include a wide range of synthetic cathinones
and cannabinoids, the ketamine analogue methoxetamine, and the phenethylamines derivatives,
just to mention a few examples. Despite the rapid growth in the production and sale
of these synthesized chemical products, there is still a distinct paucity of evidence-based
information available for health and other professionals working in the field of drug
addiction. There is a serious lack of up-to-date scientific literature on NPS effects,
potential risks, pharmacological effects, and forms of interventions.

At the same time, on the other side, behavioral addictions, also known as “addiction
without the substance”, are also rapidly increasing, with pathological gambling and
internet gaming disorder at the highest level. Pathological gambling is a prevalent
public health problem associated with depression, substance misuse, crime, and suicide,
involving dysfunction in several brain regions, particularly the frontal cortex and
striatum. Neurochemical findings suggest roles for dopaminergic and serotonergic systems,
but results from clinical trials seem more equivocal.

With this special issue, we invite investigators to contribute with original research
articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing
efforts to understand these dramatic changes in the addiction field. Potential topics
include, but are not limited to:

Evolution of the drug scenario: biological, behavioral, and sociological aspects